Spanish Tot Has Heart Transplant During COVID Crisis

Story By: Jonathan MaciasSub EditorJoseph GolderAgency: Newsflash

Newsflash/Hospital Gregorio Maranon

This cute toddler has been given a new heart in an operation carried out in a Madrid hospital during the coronavirus pandemic.

Little Chloe underwent a seven-hour heart transplant at the Gregorio Maranon hospital in the Spanish capital of Madrid.

According to local media, the girl was transferred to the hospital three months ago after she was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, a group of diseases that affect the heart muscles and can lead to eventual heart failure.

The footage shows the moment Chloe is leaving the hospital while she is applauded by medics on both sides of the corridor.

A spokesperson from the hospital said: “After almost a month in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and later in the Children’s Cardiology hospitalisation facility, this Saturday Chloe was at home, with her new heart and a will to continue living.”

The Head of Child Cardiology at the hospital Constancio Medrano has described the successful transplant as a sign that hospitals are working well despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

Newsflash/Hospital Gregorio Maranon

Medrano told local media: “Despite working in the middle of a pandemic we have maintained the urgent help and the criteria followed by the Nationa Transplant Organization (ONT).”

The hospital coordinated with three hospitals as the donation of the heart that Chloe received had to be carried out by a different team of doctors than the ones who operated on her.

Medrano said: “The protocol in the use of extraction equipment has changed due to the recommendation to avoid displacement and not to mix health personnel.”

Reports said doctors also carried out COVID-19 tests on both on the heart donor and Chloe to avoid possible contagion.

The surgery lasted seven hours and 10 health professionals were involved.

Medrano said: “It’s an important message, many parents call asking if we are taking care of cases that are not related to COVID-19 and this proves that we are.”